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Fans of the futuristic producer, Pharrell Williams, will be able to own some of his beloved items with the launch of his new online auction platform, JOOPITER. The platform is billed as “a space for today’s collector,” and was established by Pharrell after his business manager commented on his 11 storage units.
Instead of selling the items on existing platforms, the producer decided to come up with his own and it is expected to launch on October 14.
JOOPITER was created “to embrace the energy that is released when objects change hands, and to respect the value that’s been created around these objects,” according to statements made by Pharrell to the Financial Times.
The items range from a custom gold-encased Blackberry to an Alpinestars Women’s Rights motorcycle jacket and a Casio G-Shock and Bape collaboration watch. Other brands include Timbaland, Adidas, Goyard and Louis Vuitton.
The items are not exclusive to pieces that the artist has worn, as he will also offer up items that he played a role in designing. Although the platform has not been officially launched, Williams already has plans for expansion. JOOPITER will later expand to selling other curators’ collections and it will also feature a philanthropic component.
The mogul noticed the fragmented high-end auction market and designed Joopiter as a solution to the problem. Currently, there are platforms such as TheRealReal, Christie’s and Reluxe, but Williams noted “there’s not really one size fits all,” when it comes to selling a diverse offering of products. When speaking on the new platform, he also added that it “is about letting go of the past…Of EVERYTHING.” Williams continued on to state that he is setting himself free “for the beginning of a new era.”
In addition to being an innovative businessman, many know Pharrell Williams for his hits such as “Happy,” “Beautiful” and “Frontin.” This is not the entertainer’s first business venture outside of music either, Williams has also founded a non-profit organization as well as a skincare line. According to CelebrityNetworth.com, the mogul has amassed a net worth of $250 million and with the launch of his new auction house, that fortune is likely to increase.
